Multi-Level Floating Flames Gas Fireplace

ABSTRACT

A multi-level floating flame gas fireplace comprises a pair of supporting members, a burner assembly and a plurality of trays. The burner assembly includes a pair of tube members spaced parallel in vertical orientation and is secured between inner portions of each supporting member, a plurality of burners evenly spaced and extended forwardly between the pair of tube members. A plurality of orifices and at least one sound suppressor are provided in the burners to provide even flow or distribution of gas and to reduce noise. Each tray is positioned below each burner and attached between the supporting members. The trays are filled up with a glass media like fire glasses and the burners are covered with the fire glasses. Thus, the structure of the fireplace becomes invisible and when the burners are turned on, the fireplace showcases layers of the floating flames suspended in a stepped back manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/721,448 filed Nov. 1, 2012.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This embodiment relates to gas fireplaces, and more particularly to amulti-level floating flames gas fireplace assembled to form a step backstyle gas fireplace which is adaptable to provide an appearance of oneor more levels of scattered floating flames.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Fireplaces are utilized as a source of both heat for warming and as anattractive and appealing object to visually observe. Fireplaces areavailable in a variety of sizes, styles and construction according tothe fuels used in the fireplaces. Fireplaces can burn different fuels,including wood, gas, electrical, etc. The conventional wood fireplacesare extremely inefficient and produce high levels of harmful emissions,which pollute outdoor air and can have dangerous effects on indoor airquality. Attempts have been made to compensate for this instability byproviding gas-fireplace units which use clean burning fuel. The gasfireplaces can be made to look nice and efficient by burning gas logs,fire glasses or ceramic river rocks, etc.

Some fireplaces include a gas manifold that is attached to the home'sgas-line by an inlet pipe. The inlet pipe extends out of the firebox viaa hole which has been suitably established in one of the brick wallsthat surround the firebox. The outer portion of the inlet pipe extendsexterior to the brick containment and includes an electrically actuatedflow valve and a tap for a pilot light that also includes anelectrically actuated flow valve. A wall mounted switch is providedwhich allows a user to control the igniter/controller in a simplemanner. However, such fireplace does not form a step back style gasfireplace which is adaptable to provide an appearance of one or morelevels of scattered floating flames. Moreover, the fireplace would notemploy invisible burners covered with glass media's and showcase tieredfloating flames suspended inside fireplace.

Some gas-fired fireplaces are required to be secured in the exteriorwall structure of the fireplaces and includes brackets and/or flangesfor connect pilot components to the interior of the fireplace whichresult in difficulty or inconvenience in installing associated gasand/or electric lines. In addition, certain of these known fireplacescannot be manufactured as direct vent fireplaces and are not custom madefor installing/retrofitting with existing fireplaces.

Certain gas fireplaces employ multi-tiered artificial logs with gasburners strategically between the tiers. Such gas fireplaces are bulky,cumbersome and are not easily assembled and disassembled. Also, suchfireplaces are expensive and do not provide invisible burners withtiered floating flames. Furthermore, such fireplaces do not includesound suppressor to reduce the noise and orifices/slots to provideeffective distribution of gases. However, these conventional fireplacesdo not provide a step like floating flames with invisible steps to looklike flames in the air and inside the fireplace.

In light of the foregoing, there is a need for an economical andstand-alone multi-level floating flames gas fireplace that can be easilyconfigured to install with other existing fireplaces. Such a neededfireplace would be assembled to form a step back style gas fireplacewhich is adaptable to provide an appearance of one or more levels ofscattered floating flames. Further, the gas fireplace would employinvisible burners when the burners are covered with glass media's likefireless and showcase tiered floating flames suspended inside the gasfireplace. Furthermore, the device would include orifices and blockagesinside the burners to provide efficient and even flow or distribution ofgases. Further, this device could include a sound suppressor to reducenoise and allows the gas to flow in a greater distance for all threelevels. Moreover, the fireplace would be manufactured as direct ventfireplaces that provide relatively inexpensive installation of newfireplaces in new and existing homes and structures. Further, thepresent embodiment would be relatively quick and easy to install, and tocollapse. The present embodiment accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present embodiment is a multi-level floating flames gas fireplacethat assembled to form a step back style gas fireplace to provide anappearance of one or more levels of scattered floating flames. Themulti-level floating flames gas fireplace comprises a pair of supportingmembers, a burner assembly, and a plurality of trays. The pair ofsupporting members is spaced parallel in vertical orientation andincludes an upper portion, a middle portion, a lower portion and aplurality of notches. The burner assembly comprises a pair of tubemembers that is spaced parallel in vertical orientation. The pair oftube members is secured between inner portions of each supporting memberthrough the plurality of notches on each supporting member. The burnerassembly further comprises a plurality of burners that is evenly spacedand extended forwardly between the pair of tube members. The pluralityof burners includes an upper burner, a lower burner and a base burner.Each burner has a pair of opposing first portions and a second portion,which is attached between each tube member.

The base burner has an extended burner portion which is coupled with atleast one sound suppressor. The at least one sound suppressor isadaptable to allow gas to flow in greater distance and thereby reducingnoise. The plurality of burners includes a plurality of orifices formedinside thereof to provide efficient and even flow or distribution of thegas. A pair of opposing manifolds is coupled between the base burner andthe extended burner portion of the base burner. Each of the pair ofopposing manifolds has at least one outlet hole that is connected to agas inlet conduit.

The plurality of trays includes an upper tray, a lower tray and a basetray. The upper tray includes a rear lip, a pair of opposing side lips,a pair of opposing front lips, a slot on a top surface thereof, aplurality of upper tray supports on the top surface and a plurality ofnotches on the rear lip. The upper tray is positioned below the upperburner through the plurality of notches on the rear lip and securedbetween the pair of supporting members. The plurality of upper traysupports is adaptable to reinforce the upper tray against heat to stopwarping.

The rear lip and the pair of opposing side lips of the upper tray arecapable to retain a glass media and to provide floating flames. The pairof opposing front lips of the upper tray is adaptable for holding aceramic glass to make the upper tray transparent to display the glassmedia. The raised slot on the top surface of the upper tray is insertedwith a perforated metal sheet to prevent the glass media falling intothe base tray. The raised slots are located at the front of the firstand second burners and recessed back enough to be covered by media glassto give a clean look without seeing the raised slot. This slot is beingcovered with a perforated ⅜″ covering, which will have bent lips andwill be seated on the raised slot to stop media glass falling down ontothe bottom tray and at the same time the “cover” will make it possibleto hide the slot under the media glass. The perforated metal sheet isdefined as a lighting facilitator which having a plurality of vents toprovide aeration and refract light. The glass media includes traditionalmedia and artificial media including, but not limited to gas logs, fiberlogs, fired rocks, fire glasses, crystal broken fireproof glasses,precast heatproof glasses or ceramics, fire beads, ceramic glasses andceramic rocks.

Similarly, the lower tray includes a rear lip, a pair of opposing sidelips, a pair of opposing front lips, a slot on a top surface thereof, aplurality of lower tray supports on the top surface and a plurality ofnotches on the rear lip. The lower tray is positioned below the lowerburner through the plurality of notches on the rear lip and secured withthe pair of supporting members. The plurality of lower tray supports isadaptable to reinforce the lower tray against heat to stop warping.

The rear lip and the pair of opposing side lips of the lower tray arecapable to retain the glass media and to provide the floating flames.The pair of opposing front lips of the lower tray is adaptable forholding the ceramic glass to make the lower tray transparent to displaythe glass media. The slot on the top surface of the lower tray isinserted with the perforated metal sheet to prevent the glass mediafalling into the base tray. The plurality of vents on the perforatedmetal sheet provides aeration and refracts light and thus defined as thelighting facilitator.

The base tray having a pair of opposing side lips and at least onesupport means on a top surface thereof. The base tray is positioned on asurface below the base burner and secured to the extended burner portionusing the at least one support means. The at least one support means isutilized to lift the base burner for about ¼ inch from the surfacethereby providing efficient release of the gas from the plurality ofburners. The upper tray and the lower tray is secured to the pair ofsupporting members along with the pair of tube members using at leastone fastening member and at least one clamp member.

The multi-level floating flames gas fireplace can be operated by afireplace remote system or manual push button ignition or manuallighting by a lighter. A plurality of remote valves and a plurality ofwires are connected in the firebox that is placed far to right or leftside and close to front of the multi-level floating flames gas fireplacedepending on location of the gas inlet conduit. An electrode forlighting the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace for both remoteignition and manual ignition is located on the base tray, close to thebase burner. The electrode is fitted on a stand that attached with thetop surface of the base tray and includes a main valve for the remoteignition. A push button switch means positioned on the firebox isoperatively connected to the electrode. A plurality of igniterspositioned on the rear lip of the upper tray and the pair of opposingside lips of the lower tray is operatively connected to the electrode.Preferably, when the push button switch means is on, the electrode andthe plurality of igniters are ignited and thereby igniting the pluralityof burners.

The plurality of burners includes a plurality of slots on a bottomportion along a centerline thereof. The plurality of slots serves totransfer the flames between the plurality of burners. The floatingflames can be shaped with the plurality of slots of the plurality ofburners and therefore, the plurality of burners may be all the samewidth or wider at bottom and rises up the plurality of burners becomesmaller, to give a pyramid shape.

The plurality of trays is filled up with the glass media like the fireglasses or any other substance, in optional colors. The glass mediacovers the plurality of burners and therefore, when fire is turned on,the floating flames shoots up and suspended in the air. When theplurality of burners are covered with the fire glasses or the like, thestructure of the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace becomesinvisible and when the plurality of burners are turned on, themulti-level floating flames gas fireplace showcases layers of thefloating flames suspended in a stepped back manner.

The present embodiment provides an economical and stand-alonemulti-level floating flames gas fireplace that can be easily configuredto install with other existing fireplaces. Such a needed fireplace wouldbe assembled to form a step back style gas fireplace which is adaptableto provide an appearance of one or more levels of scattered floatingflames. Further, the gas fireplace would employ invisible burners whenthe burners are covered with glass media's like fireglass and showcasetiered floating flames suspended inside the gas fireplace. Furthermore,the device would include orifices inside the burners to provideefficient and even flow or distribution of gases. Further, this devicewould include a sound suppressor to reduce noise and allows the gas toflow in a greater distance for all thee burners. Moreover, the fireplacecould be manufactured as direct vent fireplaces that provide relativelyinexpensive installation of new fireplaces in new and existing homes andstructures. Further, the present embodiment would be relatively quickand easy to install, and to collapse. Other features and advantages ofthe present invention will become apparent from the following moredetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembled multi-level floatingflames gas fireplace in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a burner assembly associated withthe multi-level floating flames gas fireplace shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the assembled multi-level floatingflames gas fireplace when connected with a push button ignition andrelated spark generators;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the assembled multi-level floatingflames gas fireplace when connected with the push button ignition andrelated spark generators;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of at least one burner associated withthe burner assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a pair of supporting membersassociated with the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an upper tray associated with themulti-level floating flames gas fireplace shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a lower tray associated with themulti-level floating flames gas fireplace shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a base tray associated with themulti-level floating flames gas fireplace shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the multi-level floating flamesgas fireplace shown in FIG. 1, when in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following describes example embodiments in which the presentinvention may be practiced. This invention, however, may be embodied inmany different ways, and the description provided herein should not beconstrued as limiting in any way. Among other things, the followinginvention may be embodied as methods or devices. As such, the presentinvention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. The following detailed descriptions should not betaken in a limiting sense.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term“or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B”includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwiseindicated. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documentsreferred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In theevent of inconsistent usages between this document and those documentsso incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s)should be considered supplementary to that of this document; forirreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

Referring to FIG. 1, an assembled multi-level floating flames gasfireplace 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment is illustrated.The multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 comprises a pair ofsupporting members 12, a burner assembly 28, and a plurality of trays68, 70, 72. The pair of supporting members 12 is spaced parallel invertical orientation and includes an upper portion 14, a middle portion16 and a lower portion 18. The burner assembly 28 is secured with thepair of supporting members 12 as shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the burner assembly 28 comprises a pair of tubemembers 30 that is spaced parallel in vertical orientation. The pair oftube members 30 is secured between the pair of supporting members 12(See FIG. 4). The burner assembly 28 further comprises a plurality ofburners 38, 40, 42 that is evenly spaced and extended forwardly betweenthe pair of tube members 30. The plurality of manifold burners 38, 40,42 includes an upper burner 38 having a pair of opposing first portions44 and a second portion 46, a lower burner 40 having a pair of opposingfirst portions 48 and a second portion 50 and a base burner 42 having apair of opposing first portions 52 and a second portion 54. Eachopposing first portion 44 of the upper burner 38 is attached between theupper portions 32 of each tube member 30. Each opposing first portion 48of the lower burner 40 is attached between the middle portions 34 ofeach tube member 30. Similarly, each opposing first portion 52 of thebase burner 42 is attached between the lower portions 36 of each tubemember 30.

The base burner 42 has an extended burner portion 56 which is coupledwith at least one sound suppressor 58. The at least one sound suppressor58 is adaptable to allow gas to flow in greater distance and therebyreducing noise. The plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 includes a pluralityof orifices 60 formed inside thereof. The plurality of orifices 60 isdefined as blockages in proper locations within the plurality of burners38, 40, 42 to build up enough gas pressure in the plurality of burners38, 40, 42. Preferably, the plurality of orifices 60 has a diameter of ⅛inch on the lower burner 40 and the base burner 42 and a diameter of5/32 inch on the upper burner 38. Thus, the plurality of orifices 60provides efficient and even flow or distribution of the gas. Inaddition, the plurality of orifices 60 is spaced by at least a distanceof 4 inches between each other to reduce the noise. A gas connectionstem 62 is coupled between the base burner 42 and the extended burnerportion 56 of the base burner 42. The gas connection stem 62 has atleast one outlet hole 64 that is connected to a gas inlet conduit (notshown).

The plurality of trays 68, 70, 72 includes an upper tray 68, a lowertray 70 and a base tray 72. The upper tray 68 includes a rear lip 74, apair of opposing side lips 76, a pair of opposing front lips 78, a slot80 on a top surface 82 thereof, a plurality of upper tray supports 84 onthe top surface 82, a plurality of notches 86 on the rear lip 74 and atleast one support means 116. The upper tray 68 is positioned below theupper burner 38 through the plurality of notches 86 on the rear lip 74and secured between the pair of supporting members 12. The plurality ofupper tray supports 84 is adaptable to reinforce the upper tray 68against heat to stop warping.

The rear lip 74 and the pair of opposing side lips 76 of the upper tray68 are capable to retain a glass media 122 and to provide floatingflames (See FIG. 10). The pair of opposing front lips 78 of the uppertray 68 is adaptable for holding a ceramic glass 124 to make the uppertray 68 transparent to display the glass media 122. The slot 80 on thetop surface 82 of the upper tray 68 is inserted with a perforated metalsheet 90 to prevent the glass media 122 falling into the base tray 72.The perforated metal sheet 90 is defined as a lighting facilitator whichhaving a plurality of vents 92 to provide aeration and refract light.The glass media 122 includes traditional media and artificial mediaincluding, but not limited to gas logs, fiber logs, fired rocks, fireglasses, crystal broken fireproof glasses, precast heatproof glasses orceramics, fire beads, ceramic glasses and ceramic rocks.

Similarly, the lower tray 70 includes a rear lip 98, a pair of opposingside lips 100, a pair of opposing front lips 102, a slot 104 on a topsurface 106 thereof, a plurality of lower tray supports 108 on the topsurface 106, a plurality of notches 110 on the rear lip 98 and at leastone support means 116. The lower tray 70 is positioned below the lowerburner 40 through the plurality of notches 110 on the rear lip 98 andsecured with the pair of supporting members 12. The plurality of lowertray supports 108 is adaptable to reinforce the lower tray 70 againstheat to stop warping.

The rear lip 98 and the pair of opposing side lips 100 of the lower tray70 are capable to retain the glass media 122 and to provide the floatingflames (See FIG. 10). The pair of opposing front lips 102 of the lowertray 70 is adaptable for holding the ceramic glass 124 to make the lowertray 70 transparent to display the glass media 122. The slot 104 on thetop surface 106 of the lower tray 70 is inserted with the perforatedmetal sheet 90 to prevent the glass media 122 falling into the base tray72. The plurality of vents 92 on the perforated metal sheet 90 providesaeration and refracts light and thus defined as the lightingfacilitator.

The base tray 72 having a pair of opposing side lips 114 and at leastone support means 116 on a top surface 118 thereof. The base tray 72 ispositioned on a surface 120 (See FIG. 10) below the base burner 42 andsecured to the extended burner portion 56 using the at least one supportmeans 116. The at least one support means 116 is utilized to lift thebase burner 42 for about ¼ inch from the surface 120 thereby providingefficient release of the gas from the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, front and rear perspective views of themulti-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 when connected with afirebox 126. The pair of opposing first portions 44 of the upper burner38 is secured through the notch 22 (See FIG. 6) on the upper portions 14of the pair of supporting members 12. The pair of opposing firstportions 48 of the lower burner 40 is secured through the notch 22 (SeeFIG. 6) on the lower portions 16 of the pair of supporting members 12.Thus, the pair of tube members 30 is secured between inner portions 20of the pair of supporting members 12. Each tube member 30 arranged leftand right sides of the burner assembly 28 may act as an additional soundsuppressor for the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 extended from thepair of tube members 30.

A plurality of holes 88 are positioned proximate the plurality ofnotches 86 on the rear lip 74 of the upper tray 68. The upper tray 68 isconnected with the pair of supporting members 12 by aligning theplurality of holes 88 on the rear lip 74 of the upper tray 68 with aplurality of holes 24 in the upper portions 14 of the pair of supportingmembers 12. Then, the upper tray 68 is secured to the upper portions 14of the pair of supporting members 12 along with the pair of tube members30 using at least one fastening member 94 and at least one clamp member96. Preferably, the at least one fastening means 94 may be ¼ inch-20 hexnuts.

A plurality of holes 112 are positioned proximate the plurality ofnotches 110 on the rear lip 98 of the lower tray 70. Similarly, thelower tray 70 is connected with the pair of supporting members 12 byaligning the plurality of holes 112 on the rear lip 98 of the lower tray70 with a plurality of holes 26 in the lower portions 16 of the pair ofsupporting members 12. Then, the lower tray 70 is secured to the lowerportions 16 of the pair of supporting members 12 along with the pair oftube members 30 using the at least one fastening member 94 and the atleast one clamp member 96.

The multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 can be operated by afireplace remote system or manual ignition. A plurality of remote valves(not shown) and a plurality of wires 128 are connected in the firebox126 that placed far to right or left side and close to front of themulti-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 depending on location ofthe gas inlet conduit (not shown). The plurality of wires 128 is securedto the pair of supporting members 12 utilizing a wire harness clamp 130.An electrode 132 for lighting the multi-level floating flames gasfireplace 10 for both remote ignition and manual ignition is located onthe base tray 72, close to the base burner 42. The electrode 132 isfitted on a stand 134 that attached with the top surface 118 of the basetray 72 and includes a main valve (not shown) for the remote ignition. Apush button switch means 136 positioned on the firebox 126 isoperatively connected to the electrode 132. A plurality of igniters 138positioned on the rear lip 74 of the upper tray 68 and the pair ofopposing side lips 100 of the lower tray 70 is operatively connected tothe electrode 132. Preferably, when the push button switch means 136 ison, the electrode 132 and the plurality of igniters 138 are ignited andthereby igniting the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42.

Preferably, the pair of opposing manifold 62 is fitted with a ½ inchNational Pipe Thread (NPT) fitting 140 having inner threads, the gasinlet conduit (not shown) fitting having outer threads, wherein the NPTfitting 140 is configured to be coupled to the gas inlet conduit (notshown) fitting by a threaded coupling. Depending on the location of thegas inlet conduit (not shown), the NPT fitting 140 can be connected withthe pair of opposing manifolds 62.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of at least one burnerassociated with the burner assembly 28 shown in FIG. 2. The plurality ofburners 38, 40, 42 includes a plurality of perforations 66 on a bottomportion along a centerline thereof. The plurality of perforations 66serves to transfer the floating flames each other between the pluralityof burners 38, 40, 42. The floating flames can be shaped with theplurality of perforations 66 of the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 andtherefore, the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 may be all the same widthor wider at bottom and rises up the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42become smaller, to give a pyramid shape. In other words, the shape ofthe burner assembly 28 can accept various shapes and design. Theplurality of burners 38, 40, 42 in shape does not have to be like aregular/conventional pipe, they can be a closed panel with the pluralityof perforations 66. The diameter of the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42is not limited to a ½ inch pipe. The plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 isprovided with bends to replace elbows, couplings and tees that utilizedto assemble the pair of opposing first portions 44, 48, 52 and thesecond portions 46, 50, 54 of the upper burner 38, lower burner 40 andthe base burner 42.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the pair of supportingmembers 12 associated with the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace10 shown in FIG. 1. The pair of supporting members 12 is located insidethe multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 and close to a backwall. The pair of supporting members 12 includes the upper portion 14,the middle portion 16, the lower portion 18 and the plurality of notches22. The upper portion 14 and the middle portion 16 include the notch 22that is arranged horizontally and the lower portion 18 includes thenotch 22 that is arranged vertically. The horizontal and the verticalnotches 22 allow the pair of tube members 30 to secure between thenotches 22 of the pair of supporting members 12. The pair of supportingmembers 12 includes the plurality of holes 24 in the upper portion 14and the plurality of holes 26 in the middle portion 16. The plurality ofholes 24, 26 in the upper and middle portions 14 and 16 of the pair ofsupporting members 12 allow the plurality of trays 68, 70, 72 to securebetween the pair of supporting members 12 along with the pair of tubemembers 30 using the at least one fastening means 94 and the at leastone clamp member 96.

Preferably, the width of the pair of supporting members 12 is made about3 inch to hold the plurality of trays 68, 70, 72 on the pair ofsupporting members 12. The arrangement of the pair of supporting members12 allows the plurality of trays 68, 70, 72 and the plurality of burners38, 40, 42 to look suspended in the air thereby providing the floatingflames. The plurality of trays 68, 70, 72 is filled up with glass media122 like the fire glasses or any other substance, in optional colors.The glass media 122 is covered with the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42and therefore, when fire is turned on, the floating flames shoots up andsuspended in the air. The plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 is located inone or more levels and bedded with the plurality of trays 68, 70, 72 tofacilitate a burning look of the fire glasses.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the upper tray 68 associated withthe multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 shown in FIG. 1. Theupper tray 68 includes the rear lip 74, the pair of opposing side lips76, the pair of opposing front lips 78, the slot 80 on the top surface82 thereof, the plurality of upper tray supports 84 on the top surface82 and the plurality of notches 86 on the rear lip 74 and at least onesupport means 116. The upper tray 68 is positioned below the upperburner 38 through the plurality of notches 86 on the rear lip 74 andsecured between the pair of supporting members 12. The rear lip 74 is 2inch height and located against the pair of supporting members 12 byleaving a gap in back of the upper tray 68 for breathing. The pluralityof upper tray supports 84 is adaptable to reinforce the upper tray 68against heat to stop warping The at least one support means 116 isutilized to lift the upper burner 38 for about ¼ inch to provideefficient release of the gas.

The rear lip 74 and the pair of opposing side lips 76 of the upper tray68 forms a container to retain the glass media 122 and to provide thefloating flames. The pair of opposing front lips 78 of the upper tray 68is adaptable for holding the ceramic glass 124 to make the upper tray 68transparent to display the glass media 122. The pair of opposing frontlips 78 acts as front retainers that can be customized for eachfireplace according to front opening measurement of each fireplace. Theslot 80 on the top surface 82 of the upper tray 68 is inserted with theperforated metal sheet 90 to prevent the glass media 122 falling intothe base tray 72. The perforated metal sheet 90 is defined as a lightingfacilitator which having the plurality of vents 92 to provide aerationand refract light.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the lower tray 70 associated withthe multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 shown in FIG. 1.Similarly, the lower tray 70 includes the rear lip 98, the pair ofopposing side lips 100, the pair of opposing front lips 102, the slot104 on the top surface 106 thereof, the plurality of lower tray supports108 on the top surface 106, the plurality of notches 110 on the rear lip98 and at least one support means 116. The lower tray 70 is positionedbelow the lower burner 40 through the plurality of notches 110 on therear lip 98 and secured with the pair of supporting members 12. The rearlip 98 is 2 inch height and located against the pair of supportingmembers 12 by leaving a gap in back of the lower tray 70 for breathing.The plurality of lower tray supports 108 is adaptable to reinforce thelower tray 70 against heat to stop warping The at least one supportmeans 116 is utilized to lift the lower burner 40 for about ¼ inch toprovide efficient release of the gas.

The rear lip 98 and the pair of opposing side lips 100 of the lower tray70 forms a container to retain the glass media 122 and to provide thefloating flames. The pair of opposing front lips 102 of the lower tray70 is adaptable for holding the ceramic glass 124 to make the lower tray70 transparent to display the glass media 122. The pair of opposingfront lips 102 acts as front retainers that can be customized for eachfireplace according to front opening measurement of each fireplace. Theslot 104 on the top surface 106 of the lower tray 70 is inserted withthe perforated metal sheet 90 to prevent the glass media 122 fallinginto the base tray 72. The perforated metal sheet 90 is defined as alighting facilitator which having the plurality of vents 92 to provideaeration and refract light.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the base tray 72 associated with themulti-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 shown in FIG. 1. The basetray 72 has the pair of opposing side lips 114 and the at least onesupport means 116 on the top surface 118 thereof. The base tray 72 ispositioned on the surface 120 (See FIG. 10) below the base burner 42 andsecured to the extended burner portion 56 using the at least one supportmeans 116. The at least one support means 116 is utilized to lift thebase burner 42 for about ¼ inch from the surface 120 thereby providingefficient release of the gas from the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42.The base burner 42 is located in the base tray 72 with a width of 4-5inches and which is raised up ¼ of an inch from the surface 120 usingthe at least one support means 116. The base tray 72 is configured toprotect the surface 120 on which the multi-level floating flames gasfireplace 10 is placed from deterioration and cracking Additionally, thebase tray 72 stops the gas to be penetrated into the cracks formed onold fireplace floors. The at least one support means 116 may bestandoffs to raise the base burner 42 above the surface 120 to provideefficient gas release. The standoffs may include plastic or metalthreaded screws, plastic or metal rods/spacers etc.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of the multi-level floatingflames gas fireplace 10 shown in FIG. 1, when in use. The pair ofsupporting members, 12, the burner assembly 28 and the plurality oftrays 68, 70, 72 are assembled to form a step back style gas fireplacewhich is adaptable to provide an appearance of one or more levels ofscattered floating flames. The present embodiment is characterized bythe use of the burner assembly 28, going from bottom which is mosthorizontally jutting out, to recessed higher levels. All levels of theplurality of burners 38, 40, 42 come from the gas inlet conduit (notshown) and can all be lit, preferably, by a single operation. Themulti-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 with the one or more levelsof the floating flames employs visible gaps between the levels of thefloating flames.

The multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 utilizes volumes interms of depth and height to burn the fire glasses, ceramic rocks etcefficiently. When the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 are covered withthe fire glasses or the like, the structure of the multi-level floatingflames gas fireplace 10 becomes invisible and when the plurality ofburners 38, 40, 42 are turned on, the multi-level floating flames gasfireplace 10 showcases layers of the floating flames suspended in astepped back manner as shown in FIG. 10. This peculiar feature boostsfamily, friends and any kind of gatherings as a pivotal means. The useof contemporary materials as glass media 122 such as the fire glasses,fire beads, and various shapes of ceramics is not meant to limit thepreferred embodiment to confine to those, the glass media 122 can beused for other traditional look means, like gas logs etc.

Contrary to regular gas burners in a fireplace, the present embodimentpresents the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 arranged horizontally inthe step back style using the height and the depth of the multi-levelfloating flames gas fireplace 10 to locate the plurality of trays 68,70, 72, and the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 from the surface 120 ofthe multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 and steps back asnumber of levels go up. The upper burner 38 ends for about 6-8 inchesbelow the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 opening heightand occupies a depth of about 4-6″. The plurality of burners 38, 40, 42in the step back style are positioned on top of each other withspecified clearances and therefore, number of burners in the multi-levelfloating flames gas fireplace 10 is limited to the height and depth ofopening of the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 and thus, itcan be 2, 3, and 4 etc. If the depth of the multi-level floating flamesgas fireplace 10 is shallow, the one or more of levels can positioned ontop of each other and viewed as layers. Depending on height of the backwall in which the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 isplaced, the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 may be made inas many levels as the height of the back wall permits. The multi-levelfloating flames gas fireplace 10 copes with various shapes of the backwalls, like curved or flat. Preferably, the present embodiment includesa 3 Tier Stepped Step Burners (3TSB).

The plurality of burners 38, 40, 42, the pair of opposing manifolds 62and the at least one sound suppressor 58 are all made in one singlepiece to make the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 easy tohandle and to connect with the plurality of trays 68, 70, 72 of eachlevel and the gas inlet conduit (not shown). Thus, this configurationdefines a looped burner, which allows connection to the gas inletconduit (not shown) from both left and right sides of the multi-levelfloating flames gas fireplace 10.

The plurality of trays 68, 70, 72 is made in different depth, but thewidth of the plurality of trays 68, 70, 72 for each fireplace are thesame and depends on each fireplace. The depth of each tray is determinedby the location of each burner, positioned at a lower level. The rearlips 74, 98 of the upper tray 68 and the lower tray 70 is in verticalorientation and which is bent up from the upper tray 68 and the lowertray 70 for about 2 inch and the plurality of notches 86, 110 arelocated on the rear lips 74, 98 of the upper tray 68 and the lower tray70 in accordance with the width of the pair of tube members 30. The pairof opposing front lips 78, 102 of the upper tray 68 and the lower tray70 holds preferably, the ceramic glass 124 or any other substance towithstand the heat and be transparent to make visible the glass media122 filled in the upper tray 68 and the lower tray 70 clearly. The pairof opposing side lips 76, 100 of the upper tray 68 and the lower tray 70may be made of steel or ceramic glasses. The pair of opposing front lips78, 102 of the upper tray 68 and the lower tray 70 may be a ¼ inch bentup lip and the pair of opposing side lips 76, 100 of the upper tray 68and the lower tray 70 may be short at front for ¼ inch to let 2 inchheight ceramic glass 124 with the thickness of 3/16 inch to pass throughand stay in place.

The plurality of upper tray supports 84 and the plurality of lower traysupports 108 are used for providing reinforcement to the upper tray 68and the lower tray 70 and preventing bending under pressure or fromheat. The plurality of upper tray supports 84 and the plurality of lowertray supports 108 extend from rear lips 74, 98 to front, at a point theheight of the plurality of upper tray supports 84 and the plurality oflower tray supports 108 reduces from 1½ inch to ¼ inch. The numbers ofthe upper tray supports 84 and the lower tray supports 108 varies inaccordance with the width of each tray. The at least one support means116 positioned on the plurality of trace 67, 70, 72 is utilized to liftthe plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 of each level for ¼ inch higher thanthe base tray 72 to let the gas easily release. The plurality of trays68, 70, 72 are positioned in place for ¼ inch below the plurality ofburners 38, 40, 42 to let the flames, which in most cases are pushingdown, have space to breath, release gas easily and distribute thefloating flames evenly.

In one embodiment, the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 canbe manufactured as a direct vent fireplace. In another embodiment, themulti-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 can be made as a kit to besold independently with new installation of wood burning fireplaces andalso by inserting the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 intoold fireplaces. Thus, users can avoid expenses of buying and installinga new fireplace and the hassle of demolishing the old fireplaces. In oneembodiment, upper levels among the one or more levels may be made in apyramid shape.

In one embodiment, the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 and/or theplurality of trays 68, 70, 72 includes an illumination means (not shown)to provide enhanced visualization of colored and light irradiated glassmedia. The illumination means (not shown) emits light through the slots80, 104 on the top surfaces 82, 106 of the upper tray 68 and the lowertray 70 thereby facilitate lighting in the multi-level floating flamesgas fireplace 10. The slots 80, 104 are inserted with the perforatedmetal sheet 90 to prevent the glass media 122 falling into the base tray72. The perforated metal sheet 90 is defined as a lighting facilitatorwhich having the plurality of vents 92 to provide aeration and refractlight. The illumination means may be a LED system or equivalent lightingsystem to provide a live and sparkling color to be lighted beneath theplurality of burners 38, 40, 42. The LED light can be installed in eachtray and under each burner that covers the area as wide as possible toaccommodate a width of each burner with a depth of 2-3 inches.

In one embodiment, the upper tray 68 and lower tray 70 can be equippedwith a lighting chamber having 1½ inch height and may be made of anon-combustible material that is as thin and as light as possible. Aslot and a plurality of notches may be incorporated in the lightingchamber to let the heat flow out. A bend of 45 degree is provided at afront of the lighting chamber to reflect the light received from thelighting chamber to shine under the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42through a ceramic glass. An inner portion of the 45 degree bend and allacross the lighting chamber is lined with polished stainless steel orany non combustible reflective material to let the lighting to hit onand bend-up for 90 degree. In this embodiment, the plurality of burners38, 40, 42 is covered with silica sand and the plurality of perforations66 on the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 may be on top in a single lineinstead of being the bottom portion along the centerline. The pluralityof perforations 66 on the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42 may bechanneled within 2¼ inch straight strips across the plurality ofperforations 66 and the glass media 122 may cover all around the channeland the LED system may then enlighten the multi-level floating flamesgas fireplace 10 through the ceramic glass lying near the plurality ofburners 38, 40, 42 in the lighting chamber.

In one embodiment, a battery base LED lighting facility is utilized toavoid the need of running electricity into the firebox 126 and thus havea plurality of wires to be exposed and the plurality of wires may belocated far away from the plurality of burners 38, 40, 42. The lightingchambers for the lower tray 70 and upper tray 68 will slide under eachtray to make easy to pull the lighting chamber out for maintenance. ALED strip is positioned at a rear lip inside of the lighting chamber. Alighting chamber on surface level is in a box form in height of about 1½inch, different in shape than the lighting chambers on upper levels. Thelighting chamber on the surface level may be about 3 inch front to backand as wide as the base burner 42 located in the box that is raised for1½ inch and positioned under the base burner 42 and extends all the waytowards back to let supports positioned on the box, which is raised 1½inch.

In one embodiment, the base tray 72 includes a front retainer ceramicglass for positioning at front and away from the floating flames to havea height of 2½-3 inches. Thus, the front retainer ceramic glass allowsthe base burner 42, the lighting chamber and extended portion of thebase tray 72 to be covered with fire glasses, ceramic river rocks orfired various shape of ceramics etc.

While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will be apparent that various modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, the multi-level floating flames gas fireplace 10 may beconstructed with different levels and sizes or shapes that provide moreheat and floating flames with an enhanced aesthetically pleasingfireplace. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention belimited, except as by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-level floating flame gas fireplacecomprising: a pair of supporting members having a plurality of notchesspaced parallel in vertical orientation and each notch being positionedon an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion thereofrespectively; a burner assembly secured with the pair of supportingmembers, the burner assembly comprising: a pair of tube members spacedparallel in vertical orientation, each tube member having an upperportion, a middle portion and a lower portion and being secured betweeninner portions of each supporting member through the plurality ofnotches on each supporting member; a plurality of burners evenly spacedand extended forwardly between the pair of tube members, each having apair of opposing first portions, a second portion and a plurality oforifices formed inside thereof, the plurality of burners including anupper burner attached to an upper portion of the pair of tube members, alower burner attached to a middle portion of the pair of tube membersand a base burner attached to a lower portion of the pair of tubemembers, the base burner having an extended burner portion coupled withat least one sound suppressor; and a plurality of trays including anupper tray positioned below the upper burner and being secured with thepair of tube members and the pair of supporting members using at leastone clamp member and at least one fastening means, a lower traypositioned below the lower burner and being secured with the pair oftube members and the pair of supporting members using at least one clampmember and at least one fastening means and a base tray positioned on asurface below the base burner and being secured to the extended burnerportion; whereby the pair of supporting members, the burner assembly andthe plurality of trays are assembled to form a step back style gasfireplace which is adaptable to provide an appearance of one or morelevels of scattered floating flames.
 2. The multi-level floating flamegas fireplace of claim 1 wherein the bottom burner is coupled with apair of opposing manifolds having at least one outlet hole connected toa gas inlet conduit.
 3. The multi-level floating flame gas fireplace ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of orifices provides efficient and evenflow or distribution of gas.
 4. The multi-level floating flame gasfireplace of claim 1 wherein the at least one sound suppressor isadaptable to allow the gas to flow in a greater distance and therebyreducing noise.
 5. The multi-level floating flame gas fireplace of claim1 wherein the upper tray and the lower tray includes a plurality ofupper tray supports and a plurality of lower tray supports respectivelyfor reinforcing the upper and lower trays against heat to stop warping.6. The multi-level floating flame gas fireplace of claim 1 wherein thebase tray is configured to protect the surface on which the fireplace isplaced from deterioration and cracking.
 7. A multi-level floating flamegas fireplace comprising: a pair of supporting members having aplurality of notches spaced parallel in vertical orientation and eachnotch being positioned on an upper portion, a middle portion and a lowerportion thereof respectively; a burner assembly secured with the pair ofsupporting members, the burner assembly comprising: a pair of tubemembers spaced parallel in vertical orientation, each tube member havingan upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion and being securedbetween inner portions of each supporting member through the pluralityof notches on each supporting member; a plurality of burners evenlyspaced and extended forwardly between the pair of tube members andhaving a plurality of orifices formed inside thereof, the plurality ofburners comprising: an upper burner having a pair of opposing firstportions and a second portion, each opposing first portion beingattached between the upper portions of each tube member; a lower burnerhaving a pair of opposing first portions and a second portion, eachopposing first portion being attached between the middle portions ofeach tube member; and a base burner having a pair of opposing firstportions and a second portion each opposing first portion being attachedbetween the lower portions of the each tube member, the base burnerhaving an extended burner portion coupled with at least one soundsuppressor; and a plurality of trays comprising: an upper tray having arear lip, a pair of opposing side lips, a pair of opposing front lips, aslot on a top surface thereof, a plurality of upper tray supports on thetop surface, a plurality of notches on the rear lip and at least onesupport means, the upper tray positioned below the upper burner andbeing secured with the pair of tube members and the pair of supportingmembers using at least one clamp member and at least one fasteningmeans; a lower tray having a rear lip, a pair of opposing side lips, apair of opposing front lips, a slot on a top surface thereof, aplurality of lower tray supports on the top surface, a plurality ofnotches on the rear lip and at least one support means, the lower traypositioned below the lower burner and being secured with the pair oftube members and the pair of supporting members using at least one clampmember and at least one fastening means; and a base tray having a pairof opposing side lips and at least one support means on a top surfacethereof, the base tray being positioned on a surface below the baseburner and secured to the extended burner portion using the at least onesupport means; whereby the pair of supporting members, the burnerassembly and the plurality of trays are assembled to form a step backstyle gas fireplace which is adaptable to provide an appearance of oneor more levels of scattered floating flames.
 8. The multi-level floatingflame gas fireplace of claim 7 wherein the bottom burner is coupled witha pair of opposing manifolds having at least one outlet hole connectedto a gas inlet conduit.
 9. The multi-level floating flame gas fireplaceof claim 7 wherein the plurality of orifices provides efficient and evenflow or distribution of gas.
 10. The multi-level floating flame gasfireplace of claim 7 wherein the plurality of upper tray supports andthe plurality of lower tray supports are configured to reinforce theupper and lower trays respectively against heat to stop warping.
 11. Themulti-level floating flame gas fireplace of claim 7 wherein the at leastone support means is utilized to lift the plurality of burners for about¼ inch the surface thereby providing efficient release of the gas fromthe plurality of burners.
 12. The multi-level floating flame gasfireplace of claim 7 wherein the rear lip and the pair of opposing sidelips of the upper and lower trays are capable to retain a glass mediaand to provide floating flames.
 13. The multi-level floating flame gasfireplace of claim 7 wherein the pair of opposing front lips of theupper and lower trays is adaptable for holding a ceramic glass to makethe trays transparent to display the glass media.
 14. The multi-levelfloating flame gas fireplace of claim 7 wherein the slot on the topsurfaces of the upper and lower trays is inserted with a perforatedmetal sheet to prevent the glass media falling into the base tray. 15.The multi-level floating flame gas fireplace of claim 7 wherein theplurality of trays and/or the plurality of burners includes anillumination means to provide enhanced visualization of colored andlight irradiated glass media.
 16. The multi-level floating flame gasfireplace of claim 15 wherein the illumination means emits light throughthe slot on the top surfaces of the upper and lower trays therebyfacilitate lighting in the fireplace.
 17. A multi-level floating flamegas fireplace comprising: a pair of supporting members having aplurality of notches spaced parallel in vertical orientation and eachnotch being positioned on an upper portion, a middle portion and a lowerportion thereof respectively; a burner assembly secured with the pair ofsupporting members, the burner assembly comprising: a pair of tubemembers spaced parallel in vertical orientation, each tube member havingan upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion and being securedbetween inner portions of each supporting member through the pluralityof notches on each supporting member; a plurality of burners evenlyspaced and extended forwardly between the pair of tube members, theplurality of burners comprising: an upper burner having a pair ofopposing first portions and a second portion, each opposing firstportion being attached between the upper portions of each tube member; alower burner having a pair of opposing first portions and a secondportion, each opposing first portion being attached between the middleportions of each tube member; and a base burner having a pair ofopposing first portions and a second portion, each opposing firstportion being attached between the lower portions of each tube member,the base burner having an extended burner portion coupled with at leastone sound suppressor; and a plurality of orifices formed inside theplurality of burners to provide efficient and even flow or distributionof gas; and a pair of opposing manifolds coupled between the base burnerand the extended burner portion of the base burner, the pair of opposingmanifolds having at least one outlet hole being connected to a gas inletconduit; and a plurality of trays comprising: an upper tray having arear lip, a pair of opposing side lips, a pair of opposing front lips, aslot on a top surface thereof, a plurality of upper tray supports on thetop surface, a plurality of notches on the rear lip and at least onesupport means, the upper tray positioned below the upper burner throughthe plurality of notches on the rear lip and being secured with the pairof tube members and the pair of supporting members using at least oneclamp member and at least one fastening means; a lower tray having arear lip, a pair of opposing side lips, a pair of opposing front lips, aslot on a top surface thereof, a plurality of lower tray supports on thetop surface, a plurality of notches on the rear lip and at least onesupport means, the lower tray positioned below the lower burner throughthe plurality of notches on the rear lip and being secured with the pairof tube members and the pair of supporting members using the at leastone clamp member and the at least one fastening means; and a base trayhaving a pair of opposing side lips and at least one support means on atop surface thereof, the base tray being positioned on a surface belowthe base burner and secured to the extended burner portion using the atleast one support means; whereby the pair of supporting members, theburner assembly, and the plurality of trays are assembled to form a stepback style gas fireplace which is adaptable to provide an appearance ofone or more levels of scattered floating flames.
 18. The multi-levelfloating flame gas fireplace of claim 17 wherein each burner includes aplurality of perforations on a bottom portion along a centerline thereofserves to transfer flame each other between the plurality of burners.19. The multi-level floating flame gas fireplace of claim 17 wherein atleast one support means is utilized to lift the plurality of burners forabout ¼ inch the surface thereby providing efficient release of the gasfrom the plurality of burners.
 20. The multi-level floating flame gasfireplace of claim 17 wherein the plurality of trays and/or theplurality of burners includes an illumination means to provide enhancedvisualization of colored and light irradiated glass media.